Q: My neighbor painted his house and did not ask my permission. It is now a bright yellow and clashes with everything. I am not sure he asked the HOA for approval either. What can I do? Read the Q&A…………….
Durham man moves political sign inside after $100 a day fine threat (NC)
John O’Brien and his wife had three political signs in their front yard, but moved one of the signs inside their house after the property management company hired by the homeowners association threatened him with a fine. “They sent us a letter threatening us with a hundred dollar a day fees if we didn’t take […]
Berryville: Neighborhood’s safety concerns being examined (VA)
Town officials, police and a homeowners association (HOA) are striving to make the Battletown development seem more safe as residents tend to not stay as long as they once did……..Battletown has a mix of single-family houses and town homes. McDonald said that while some of the town homes are owner-occupied, more than 50 percent are […]
HOA Homefront: Readers ask what if our annual meeting isn’t annual?
Q: Our HOA hasn’t had an annual meeting in years. We receive notice the “annual meeting” will be held on a given date to “count ballots.” For the last two years, when we arrived, we were informed it wasn’t a meeting but only to count or collect votes for board members. We were invited to […]
‘Failure Imminent’ At Prestonwood Lake Dam In Arlington, Texas
As all eyes are on the dam, exactly who’s responsible for maintaining it is unclear. While the city called the dam private, it was built by an HOA in 1978, residents in the neighborhood said it’s not their responsibility. “That is a good question,” said Robert Blake, a neighbor, when asked about who should be […]
Owners of Denver lakefront homes sue realtor over water rights (CO)
A Denver Realtor is in deep water with the buyers of multiple waterfront properties he listed. Plaintiffs Koren and Michael Vining, Nicholas Hodgdon and Rhidian Orr last week sued Steve Travers of The Kentwood Co. in Denver County District Court, alleging he misrepresented homeowners’ rights to Riviera Lake, a small body of water in southwest […]
Condo deck collapses, leaving owners in dilemma (KY)
Many people move to condominium so they won’t have the hassle and costs of owning a home. But what if the condo complex develops a major, expensive problem? That’s the trouble facing some Northern Kentucky condo owners, after their deck collapsed this past weekend. Read the article………………
Jury awards $75K to Hayden man over his Christmas light display (ID)
The battle over Christmas lights in Hayden, Idaho is finally over. A jury ruled in favor of Jeremy Morris, who said that his family was embarrassed and ostracized by the West Hayden Homeowners Association. Morris was awarded $60,000 in compensatory damages and $15,000 in punitive damages. Read the article……………….
Fla. woman decorates yard with Hitler-saluting Holocaust skeletons
In the yard is skeleton after skeleton, saluting Hitler with concentration camp identification numbers on their arms and a Star of David on their chests………So, what does the homeowner, Susan Lamerton, have to say about her Halloween decorations causing controversy in her New Port Richey neighborhood? We had a chance to ask her, and she […]
Millcreek condo owners forced to pay $40,000 fee (UT)
Nearly 100 homeowners at Millcreek Hollow are being forced to pay for roughly $4 million in repairs, due to alleged builder negligence. According to residents, the builders cut corners when they built the 96-unit property about 15 years ago, and now, the owners are paying the cost. The management company, FCS, said they tried to […]
Pinellas County homeowner fighting association to continue flying rainbow flag (FL)
A homeowner says he’s not backing down after his condo association put new rules in place that don’t allow his gay pride flag to fly. We learned the controversy isn’t just happening in Tampa Bay. “I put this up four years ago,” Richard Hughes said, pointing to his rainbow flag. “Because I’m not ashamed of […]
Owner of Bellevue affordable housing unit forced to sell after years of rule violations (WA)
The former owner of a Bellevue condo purchased it through a taxpayer-funded affordable housing program and then moved to California, violating the provisions of an agreement while she rented it out. Read the article…………….
Buildings Tighten Security in Wake of Mail Bombs (NY)
After pipe bombs arrived at the homes and offices of multiple critics of President Donald Trump, including former President Barack Obama and CNN’s Columbus Circle headquarters, New York City property owners and managers are ramping up security, the Real Deal reports. Read the article………………
Fence Repair Costs Rise, Neighborhood Blames Drivers With No Insurance (AR)
“It’s very frustrating because it’s gotten so expensive,” Power says. Power serves as president of the Bella View property owner’s association, which is responsible for maintaining the fence. She says replacing broken sections will cost about $28,000, according to estimates. It would be split among ten households. Read the article………….
Dozens of homeowners claim houses are falling apart, but major builder refuses to fix them (FL)
Dozens of buyers claim their new homes are falling apart, but a major builder refuses to fix defective stucco despite a multimillion-dollar state settlement. They sued KB Home. The homeowners claim new testing and internal documents show the new homes’ stucco coating failed building codes and the company knew it. Read the article……………
Spotsylvania sinkhole keeps growing (VA)
A depressing saga drags on for a Spotsylvania County family as a sinkhole continues to gobble up their front yard. Their driveway in its path, and a solution to the problem remains elusive. “I’ve talked to everyone I can talk to,” Doug Woods said this week. “My sinkhole’s still there, except it’s getting bigger.” […]
Aspen condo association wants out of Ritz-Carlton litigation (CO)
The Aspen Highlands Condominium Association is making a push to be removed from a class-action lawsuit brought on nearly three years ago by timeshare owners at the Ritz-Carlton Club. The condo association’s motion for summary judgment is the latest legal maneuver in a dispute over an affiliation the Ritz-Carlton Club established with Marriott Vacation Club […]
Shed at Gateway Center ensures property rights (MA)
High Rock Development has erected a building on the corner of Boston and Bridge streets, but it’s unlikely to fit all 117 condo units proposed for the site. It isn’t even four stories tall, and it sure as heck won’t fit a restaurant. In fact, it’s guaranteed to be taken down at some point. That’s […]
OKC to accept Lone Oak Farms land for park and trail development (OK)
The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to accept 130 acres of the former Lone Oak Farms in far northwest Oklahoma City for park and trail development. Lone Oak LLC and Lone Oak Farms Homeowners Association are conveying the land to the city. Read the article…………………
Special Assessment Leftover Funds Must Be Returned or Credited To Account (FL)
Q: Our condominium association board levied a special assessment for Hurricane Irma damage. Our insurance claim settled for more than we expected, resulting in an excess of funds due to the special assessment. What happens to this leftover money? Read the Q&A…………………
Leilani Estates lawyers up: Association to sue county over access issues (HI)
An attorney for the Leilani Estates Community Association says the lava-ravaged subdivision will take Hawaii County to federal court over its response to the Kilauea eruption. Residents and board members have complained that they don’t have a seat at the table with county administrators and are concerned that they may be left to deal with […]
How can we better coordinate condo road and parking maintenance efforts? (FL)
Q: Our condominium association has a number of phases. Each phase is supposed to take care of its own road, but the result is a mixture of maintenance levels and attention. There are also a number of parking spaces that are being neglected and each phase is claiming the other is responsible for these spaces. […]
Steps to take for updating condominium documents (FL)
Q: Our condominium documents are older and need to be updated. How do we begin this process? Read the Q&A……………..
Is condominium association responsible for mice, pest control? (IL)
Q. For the last three years each autumn, mice get into our first-floor condominium unit through a hole between the foundation and brick above. Each year I have had to hire an exterminator at significant expense to rid my unit of mice. Each year I report the problem to the board, and they have not […]
Brighton Reserve: An exclusive Costello community under a cloud (NY)
When Ellen and Irwin Solomon moved into their condominium at the Reserve last winter, they thought their days of outdoor chores were behind them. The homeowners association would cut their grass, trim their hedges and plow their driveway. But a few months ago, Irwin Solomon went out and bought himself a new lawnmower. The homeowners […]
Local homeowners association files lawsuit (IN)
A local homeowners association has filed a lawsuit against two Brownstown residents who plan to construct a horse barn and the local government board that approved their project. The Lake and Forest Club filed a civil suit Oct. 4 against Teresa Thompson, Beulah Hamilton and the Jackson County Board of Zoning Appeals after the board […]
HOA Homefront: Readers ask how executive session can be misused
Q: Members of our board mention discussions in executive session when they are discussing agenda items at board meetings. For instance, at a recent meeting, the board tabled a matter relating to rules. The president said the matter would be discussed further in executive session. Also, three board members attend committee meetings. Two directors will […]
Condo Owners Organize in Protest of ‘Exclusive’ Water Discount Program (MA)
A new and irate constituency of condo owners has arisen in response to the Water Discount program championed by Councilor Giovanni Recupero and voted on by the City Council Sept. 24 – a proposal that excludes condo owners from the owner-occupied water bill discount. Read the article………………
Frum Jackson Resident Files Lawsuit Against HOA Over Religious Discrimination (NJ)
A wheelchair-bound frum Jackson, NJ, resident has filed a lawsuit against his Homeowner’s Association after the HOA refused his requests for them to accommodate his disabilities and religious rights. Rabbi Phillip Lefkowitz moved from Chicago to the Westlake adult community in Jackson in order to be near his daughter, who lived a short distance away. […]
Three new headaches for homeowner associations
What do drones, copyrights and mold have in common? According to USI Insurance Services, a national insurer with more than 50 offices throughout the country, these are some of the emerging trends that homeowner associations are — or will be — facing in the coming years. They all affect the financial well-being and the investments […]
Plainsboro condo complex bans smoking (NJ)
A condominium complex in the township is going entirely smoke free. Ravens Crest East at Princeton Meadows Condominium Association has banned smoking within the perimeters of the community, including on balconies and inside units. The ban takes effect on Jan. 1. Read the article………………
‘I’m afraid to let my grandkids play in the yard.’ More access gates approved in Jackson (MS)
The Jackson City Council approved the installation of two public access gates Tuesday night, capping off a multiyear push from some residents to make their neighborhoods more secure. The council voted 5 to 1 to allow the installation of gates in the Northpointe and Rollingwood neighborhoods, both adjacent to Old Canton Road in north Jackson. […]
Woodlands of Clemson clubhouse: passed inspections, up to code (SC)
A structural engineer said hundreds of factors will need to be considered as investigators try to figure out why Clemson apartment complex’s clubhouse collapsed early Sunday morning during a party. Ed Harris, a forensic engineer and the principal at Building Inspections & Engineering in Greenville, said the items that need to be analyzed in looking […]
‘Parkland Strong’ signs must come down, community association says (FL)
It is a community that experienced one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, but Parkland’s strength rose above, with its residents coming together after 17 people were killed in February at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In the weeks and months that followed, memorials grew outside of the high school and throughout nearby […]
Peter Hunt, Amherst condo company fined $104,000 over leaky pipes (NY)
Hunt Real Estate Corp. CEO Peter F. Hunt and an Amherst condominium development he sponsored have agreed to pay $104,300 to the development’s condo association for failing to disclose pipe leaks and corrosion to homebuyers. The payments by Hunt and Fisher Homes will cover the cost of replacing the damaged pipes that remain and will […]
Previously undisclosed crack in SF’s Millennium Tower prompting new safety concerns (CA)
Another crack was found in San Francisco’s sinking Millennium Tower. The cracked glass spandrel panel is located between the ninth and tenth floors. Read the article………………
Roxton Ravine residents buy property after prevailing in rezoning battle (OH)
A 3.49-acre property that sparked a contentious rezoning debate earlier this year is now off the market. The Villas at Roxton Ravine Condominium Association, Inc. purchased the piece of land at 2180 W. Fair Avenue where a developer had previously hoped to build a gas station and convenience store. Read the article………………
HOA board president confronted after gun-toting squatter investigation (NV)
Some people living in a condominium complex near the Summerlin Parkway and Tenaya Way say they have no where else to turn after suspected gun-toting squatters took over two units and making life a living hell. 13 Action News first reported the issue in June when some neighbors complained the squatters were causing problems. Read […]
Ask Eli: Find Savings In Your 2019 Condo/HOA Budget (VA)
Question: I’m the Treasurer for my condo association and we’re working on the 2019 budget. What’s a good way for us to save money in the budget without compromising the health and maintenance of the building? Read the Q&A……………
Trial over Hayden man’s Christmas display begins (ID)
Morris is seeking to have his house de-annexed from the HOA along with $250,000 in punitive damages. The battle over Christmas lights in Hayden, Idaho made its way to federal court Monday in Coeur d’Alene. Jeremy Morris’ legal battle with the West Hayden Homeowners Association started back in 2015 when he moved to his home […]
Condo owners in Little Havana band together to list building as dev site (FL)
In an unusual twist, the owners at an aging condo building in Little Havana have banded together to list their property as a redevelopment site. Norman Smith of Weichert Realtors Best Beach Real Estate is representing the 16 owners at Habana Condo at 424 Southwest Seventh Street in Miami. The 16,000-square foot building includes 18 […]
New penalties for financial reporting violations (FL)
Q: I heard there was a new law that punished condominium associations who failed to timely provide a copy of the annual financial report. Is this true? What are the penalties? Read the Q&A……………..
Retired Teacher May Be Fined for Her Butterfly Garden (FL)
A retired teacher who started a butterfly garden in the yard of her Panhandle home might be subject to homeowners’ association rules against breeding animals. WEAR-TV reports Krissa White started her a butterfly garden six years ago. Her front yard has butterfly-friendly plants and trees. Read the article………………
Association asked to pay for patio damage (IL)
Q. The patio of my unit (a limited common element) has been damaged by erosion from water that cascades over the gutters of our building. The gutters clog frequently with leaves from trees that overhang the gutters. The gutters are cleaned once a year by the association. I asked the board to repair the patio; […]
Do I have to show proof of auto insurance to association? (FL)
Q: I was recently informed by our association manager that as a resident I’m required to provide them with my proof of auto insurance info because they’re liable if something happened involving my vehicle on their property. It looks to me like the local law enforcement would be who I will need to prove I […]
New weapon in campaign sign battle: neighborhoods can’t ban them (MO)
If your homeowners association says you can’t put campaign signs in your yard, you can now say ‘no’ to them. The General Assembly passed a law earlier this year that homeowners associations cannot prohibit political signs. However, it seems that not everyone knows about the new rules. Audrey Shah, a supporter of 50th district Democratic […]
Woman, 42, accused of siphoning water funds (WA)
The former secretary/treasurer of a North Whidbey community association is accused of stealing more than $40,000, court records state. Johanna M. Boyle, 42, is accused of paying her husband, who was the association’s water manager, thousands of dollars for work he did not do over a seven-year period, according to the police report. Read the […]
Flooding from broken pipeline in Northeast Richardson creates insurance fiasco
When a major underground pipeline ruptured Aug. 30 in the Knolls of Breckinridge development, 1-2 feet of water flooded the home of Sylvester and Martha Lee. With the question of liability hanging in the balance, the Lees are still living there today. Their insurance company has agreed to pay the cost of structural repairs but […]
Q&A: Emotional Support Animal
Q. I live in a 40-unit condo building, which has had a ‘no pet amendment’ since 1980. A woman recently purchased a unit and has been seen with a dog that barks all the time. She signed all the disclosure forms that stated “no pets,” but gave the board a note from a nurse practitioner […]
HOA Homefront: Readers want to know ‘when do WE speak?’ (All about open forum) (CA)
Q: Kelly, thank you for helping people understand HOA laws! Here’s my question: Civil Code 4925(b) states “The board shall permit any member to speak at any meeting…” (executive sessions excluded). You wrote in a past column that “members may observe board deliberation, but the law does not give members the right to participate.” This […]